Former Apple chief operating officer Jeff Williams is likely to soon join Disney’s board of directors. Williams has been nominated by the Walt Disney Company Board of Directors to be a new independent director. Williams will stand for election at the 2026 annual shareholders meeting.
Williams served as Chief Operating Officer at Apple from December 2015 to his retirement in November. Williams oversaw Apple’s design team, in addition to managing all of Apple’s global supply chain, service, and support functions. Williams oversaw the launch of the Apple Watch, as well as the company’s health and fitness strategy.
“Jeff Williams is a highly accomplished executive who for decades helped steward one of the most innovative and admired companies that serves billions of consumers across the globe,” said James P. Gorman, Chairman of the Board, The Walt Disney Company. “Jeff’s proven leadership and unique experience at the intersection of technology, global operations and product design make him a valuable nominee to our board as the company continues to focus on creative storytelling and groundbreaking innovation.”
“I have long admired Disney’s legacy of pairing imagination with innovation–leveraging new technologies in bold, creative ways to bring to life timeless stories and entertain its guests,” said Williams in a statement. “It is an honor to be nominated to the board of this storied company. I look forward to working with Disney’s talented leadership team and contributing to the company’s ongoing journey of creativity and excellence.”
Williams will be the 11th member of Disney’s board, and he will join Bob Iger, GM CEO Mary Barra, former Morgan Stanley Executive Chairman James Gorman, former Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch, Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald, and others.
Disney shareholders will vote on Williams’ election and the re-election of the Company’s current 10 directors at the next Disney annual meeting.
